Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), has firmly established himself as the true political successor to his father, Ram Vilas Paswan. In a surprising twist, Chirag was appointed to the Narendra Modi government on Sunday, marking a remarkable comeback in Bihar’s dynamic political scene.
Chirag’s rapid ascent was propelled by his victory in all five Lok Sabha seats allocated to his party within the NDA alliance during the recent elections, maintaining an impressive 100 percent success rate. This extraordinary achievement has positioned him as a prominent Dalit figure in Bihar politics, eclipsing the stature of many seasoned politicians.
In a striking contrast to this triumph, the 2019 elections witnessed the LJP, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, securing victory in all six allocated seats.
The tension escalated in June 2021 when Chirag’s uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, engineered a late-night coup, removing Chirag from all significant party positions and securing a spot in Modi’s cabinet. Chirag found himself sidelined in the political arena, struggling to regain his influence.
Lok Sabha polls
The real turn of events unfolded during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls when the BJP, acknowledging Chirag’s resilience and widespread support, entrusted him with five crucial seats as per the seat-sharing agreement. This move left the Paras faction with none, despite having the backing of four MPs.
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Against considerable odds, LJP (RV) contested in Hajipur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, and Jamui. Chirag’s triumph, achieved independently of his father’s guidance, stands as a testament to his determination. He is committed to realizing his father’s vision and advocating for the ‘Bihar first, Bihari first’ agenda, with the aim of transforming the state.
Chirag Paswan, contrary to all predictions of his political downfall, has silenced his critics. His leadership was reaffirmed when he was elected as the LJP (RV) Parliamentary Party leader during a dramatic meeting at his residence in Delhi on Friday.